born in Rochester, New YorkHis father was Pharcellus ChurchHis brother is Francis Pharcellus Church.In 1860 was the publisher of the New York Sun In 1861–1862 was Washington correspondent of the New York Times.

Became a captain in the United States Volunteers in 1862, and served for one year, receiving brevets of major and lieutenant colonel.

In 1863, he established the Army and Navy Journal, jointly with his brother.

He and George Wood Wingate established the National Rifle Association in 1871, and in 1872 he was the 2nd President of the NRA.

William Church was also one of the founders of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, an original member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, and became a life member and director of the New York Zoölogical Society.